Wednesday, January 28, 2009

As you know, I have three kids. More specifically I have three boys. Three active boys. That often means that dinner time can be utter chaos with everyone talking at once, Vegan Mom and me trying to keep kids in their seats, spilled drinks, etc. So, Vegan Mom came up with a great idea to help focus the dinner conversation. She signed some books about various artists out of the library, and every night each one of us tells the rest of the family what our favourite painting is by the artist of the week, and why. We then all say what we like about the painting, and discuss the elements and principles of art evident in the piece, as well as techniques that define the artist. On the weekend, we all make our own picture in the style of the artist.

It is a lot of fun to see what pieces of art the kids choose as their favourite because they have no preconceptions and don't go for the obvious. And, I have to admit, doing the original artwork is really hard! I loved art in high school and did a few pieces that weren't half bad, but art employs a part of the brain I have not used in a looooong time. I could almost feel my brain creaking and clunking away trying to get my hand to do what I wanted it to. Above is Son #1's interpretation of Van Gogh's self portrait. Below is my attempt at doing this picture a la Van Gogh. Next up: Picasso!

28
comments:

What a great exercise for the kids and yourself! Not only is it fun, but I'm sure your boys will retain some of the knowledge for years to come; compare with the vacations my parents took me on where the kids were usually too tired to be bothered and slept in the car. Who knows, you could be planting the seeds for the next Van Gogh! :)

I just land into your blog in a search for bakery's blogs...and i just couldn't skip it.I just loved the way you try to keep your vegan life and family and this idea of vegan mom about art and weekends interpretations are just amazing..definitely i'm going to use that with my future kids.thank you for being you and keep the good and hard work.

Give Vegan Mom huge kudos from me for a FANTASTIC idea!! When I started drawing again after eons I got Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. It brings your head around to your hands and vice versa. :D

Good idea! Cuz 3 boys....eeek! I know all about it. I'm number four with 3 older brothers. I learned not to be a shy, quiet little girl. I could speak as loud as they could when I wanted! I like both paintings very much. But, I must say...I think I like the portrait best!

Very good idea. Vegan Mom is on the ball. I think this world is ready for and heading for another Renaissance, to rediscover that life is so much more than how many toys someone can afford. Very cool idea.

I had to laugh at your description of dinner chaos - it is the same at my house with 3 girls! That is a great idea Vegan Mom had. My kids have done Starry Night in art class - they looked pretty good considering they were done by 5 year olds!